that behind Mrs. Betty's elegant verbiage there was a tenacity of purpose that would have surprised her best friends.

"I wonder whether Murchison is as privileged as I am?" he said, passing his cup over the red tea cosy.

"I suppose the woman gushes for him, just as I work my wits for you."

"The Amazons of Roxton."

"We live in a civilized age, Parker, but the battle is no less bitter for us. I use my head. Half the words I speak are winged for a final end."

"You are clever enough, Betty," he confessed.

"We both have brains" and she gave an ironical laugh "I shall not be content till the world, our world, fully recognizes that fact. Old Hicks is past his work. Murchison is the only rival you need consider. Therefore, Parker, our battle is with the gentleman of Lombard Street."

"And with the wife?"

"That is my affair."

Such life feuds as are chronicled in the hatred of a Fredegonde for a Brunehaut may be studied in miniature in many a modern setting.